News

AGAINST ALL ODDS - AUBREY MCLIN'S STORY

The San Francisco Nighthawks\' Goalkeeper Competes at Just 14 And with a Chronic Medical Condition
Published Jul 5, 2022
Written By:  Katie Parker
             ​West Region Contributor

Photos By:   YoloAthletes Sports Photography


When the doctor told Aubrey McLin’s parents he thought he knew what was going on and that she’d have to quit playing soccer, everyone in the room was surprised to hear the six-year-old’s determined voice speak up. There was no way she was giving up soccer. She had undergone two years of diagnostic testing and appointments to figure out why she was suddenly having health issues and did exactly what the doctors told her to do the entire time - up until that moment.

 

“That was the first time where I really stood up for myself. I was like, I'm not dropping soccer,” Aubrey said. “After a lot of communication with my doctors, they finally decided that I could play. I would just have to play goalkeeper. So I like to say that the position chose me.”

 

Aubrey was diagnosed with POTS, a form of dysautonomia, which is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. Symptoms are different for everyone, but Aubrey’s range from confusion, to not being able to sweat, to temporary paralysis. Playing her original striker position, or anywhere else as a field player, wasn’t going to work anymore for her body. 

 

“I often have brain fog, especially if stressed, excited, or just was physically active. My body, when it does this, is on overload and goes into fight or flight mode and does not allow me to connect all the dots,” Aubrey said.

 

She worked with her medical team to develop an ever-evolving treatment plan so she knows exactly what her body needs in order to thrive. Among other things, she has a strict physical therapy routine, a very specific nutrition plan, she wears breathable gear to help with temperature control, and takes medicine to help her sweat.

 

“I have to train my body on a daily basis to withstand and handle physical activity, and now at a higher level, so my body doesn’t go into panic [mode] and quit,” Aubrey said. “So unlike some athletes I’m unable to take much time off, like even a day, where I’m not being physically active.”

 

POTS symptoms can generally get worse in warm environments, when standing for long periods of time, with exercise, and in stressful situations. All the more reason why Aubrey’s first season in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) as a goalkeeper for the San Francisco Nighthawks is even more impressive - oh, and so is the fact that she’s only 14 years old. 

 

“Aubrey is a special one. My background is in leadership and sport psychology. When training Aubrey, I see a young woman that is driven, while aware of the hurdles she must overcome,”  Nate Failing, goalkeeper trainer for Aubrey and the ‘Hawks, said. “She seeks more knowledge whenever possible and thrives on the challenges when presented before her.

 

Earlier in the year, as the 2022 WPSL season approached, the Nighthawks found itself without a keeper.

 

“Nate suggested Aubrey, who had played futsal with us in a regional tuneup,”  Jill Lounsbury, the Nighthawks’ president and general manager, said. “Aubrey did great, but how would she do playing 11v11 in the WPSL? Nate said she could handle it.”

 

Aubrey played big in her first two WPSL matches and earned her spot and the team’s trust. What impressed Lounsbury the most though wasn’t her play on the field, but rather her mind. Throughout the season Aubrey, a true student of the game, has taken it upon herself to pinpoint things she can work on and study upcoming opponents. She’s also very in tune with what’s going on in the world and how she can make an impact. 

 

 

As a youth ambassador for Dysautonomia International, Aubrey's written articles on mental health in sports and advocates for mental wellness training in soccer. She even managed to get multiple cities in Northern California to proclaim October as Dysautonomia Awareness Month.

 

“At [age] six I wasn’t at the best place with trying to process what kind of life I was going to have with this condition,” Aubrey said. “My drive for advocating for others [now] is from my own personal experiences. I know first hand the difference one person can make. I wouldn’t be where I am today, playing soccer and living out my dreams, if it wasn’t for my parents, my team of doctors, my coaches, my trainers and my community who helped support and believe in me. I'm in a much better place and at a place where I can now try to help others.”

 

Aubrey shared that she can feel embarrassed when her symptoms intensify. Severe bullying from some kids in school forced her to transfer districts. Aubrey also has ADHD and is provided accommodations and extra support through a 504 Plan. At times, it’s been a challenging road, but Aubrey, her family, and support team continue walking it together.

 

“My parents got me into counseling and surrounded me with amazing adults who rallied together to help me thrive and turn things around,” Aubrey said.

 

Through it all, she’s learned that it’s vital to have open conversations around self-confidence, self-worth, and mental health.

 

“Find a circle of support, a team, people in your life where you can truly be open and be vulnerable with,” Aubrey said. “And know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, even though there may be days it doesn’t feel that way.”

 

At just 14 years old, Aubrey’s been through a lot. She’s still standing strong though - just one of the reasons her nickname is, “Aubrey ‘The Wall’ McLin.” In addition to getting diagnosed, learning about and managing a chronic medical condition, switching schools, changing soccer positions, advocating for herself and others, she’s also dealt with profound loss. Earlier this year two people close to her died by suicide - a friend and former teammate, and two weeks later a mentor.  

 

“I one-hundred-percent feel it’s important we share vulnerability like this so others feel safe to do so too,” Aubrey said. “It’s okay to have bad days. It’s okay to share it with others, but it’s equally important to find teams, clubs, who support the whole person - not just the athlete. My club and coaches at both Davis Legacy and the Nighthawks, have built their clubs to feel like a home, a family.”

 

It’s easy to tell her soccer family is infinitely impressed and inspired by Aubrey.

 

“This kid, playing out of her weight class, is more than just an athlete - she is a thinker. That is going to make her a spectacular keeper and a very fine human,” Lounsbury said.

 

Failing explained that Aubrey playing on the ‘Hawks this season is a mutually beneficial relationship. It’s not only great for her development and experience, but since she’s only 14 she’ll be available to the team for many years to come. Ultimately, Aubrey has her sights set on going pro and getting called up to the National Team and since she can’t imagine a life away from the sport, she’d also like to coach.

 

“Soccer still means the world to me. Every time I get on the pitch, it's just an amazing feeling. Hitting the ball with your feet, making those great saves, every time it doesn't get old. And it definitely has helped get me through hard times.” Aubrey said her first season with the Nighthawks “has truly been a dream.”